Zach Edey's progress gives the Grizzlies hope for the future

When the Memphis Grizzlies selected Zach Edey with the ninth overall pick of the 2024 NBA Draft it was met with mixed reviews. On one hand, the Grizzlies had a need for a center and reportedly tried to trade up to select former University of Connecticut center Donovan Clingan before he was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers with the seventh overall pick.

On the other hand, Zach Edey's game translating from college to the pros had huge questions due to the NBA's move away from the traditional back-to-the-basket center and his effectiveness getting switched out on the perimeter on defense. However, after the Grizzlies loss to the Brooklyn Nets on Monday night, Zach Edey finds himself leading all rookies in points (11.1), offensive rebounds (2.9), and second in total rebounds (6.5) while placing 10th in minutes per game (19.6).

Zach Edey has progressed well from a player who once had more fouls than field goal attempts through his first four games. After only scoring double-digit points once, gathering no more than nine rebounds in a single game, and collecting one block through his first four games, Edey has quickly developed into the center the Grizzlies expected when he was drafted.

Edey has scored in double figures in each of his last four games, hasn't collected more than three fouls in any of his last four games, and secured double-doubles in each of his last two games. In the Grizzlies' second loss to the Brooklyn Nets, Edey had his best game as a pro with 25 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 blocks in nearly 29 minutes on 11-12 shooting (all career-highs). Those numbers haven't been done by a rookie since Hakeem Olajuwon.

Despite the loss, the Grizzlies fanbase should feel confident in his ability to produce at a high level going forward. The team will need to continue to utilize his strengths as a lob threat and take advantage of some post opportunities against smaller opponents.

Another factor that has elevated Edey's game is his chemistry and fit with Jaren Jackson Jr. in the starting lineup. Jaren Jackson Jr. missed all of the preseason and the Grizzlies' first two games of the season, which led to Edey's involvement without the former Defensive Player of the Year alongside him in the frontcourt.

Along with his expected development with games played and starting, having an NBA All-Star caliber player as his frontcourt running mate has taken the pressure off Edey, especially on the defensive end where his impact limited his minutes the most. Zach Edey is quickly developing into an integral piece of this team's core and it can only get better as he continues to familiarize himself with the NBA-style and Grizzlies system.